I managed to catch an acoustic set by the up and coming rock band The Answer, an awesome group from Northern Ireland, earlier in the week, and I was really impressed, so Friday night (or early Saturday morning) found us back at Latitude 30 to check out how this group sounds live. The answer is – Fantastic, amazing, electrifying and more!

The Answer: Paul Mahon, Cormac Neeson, James Heatley, Michael Waters

Cormac Neeson the front man and lead vocals for The Answer, gives incredibly soulful, bluesy life to this band’s repertoire of really awesome rock songs. He is sexy, mesmerizing and he sings with an intensity and grace that just leaves the crowd yearning for more, song after song. Neeson engages the crowd in a personal and entrancing fashion, making each fan feel like the gig is only for him or her.

But this band is a lot more than a great front man!

Michael Waters lays down a rock solid bass line that keeps everyone rocking and rolling and dancing to the beat. He’s great on stage, enchanting the crowd with an easy going smile and the confident stance of a real pro.

Guitarist Paul Mahon

Paul Mahon on guitar puts together some scorching licks and some smooth blues riffs that largely coalesces the amazing sound of this group. Mahon isn’t (yet) a guitar god, but he integrates the music and fits in as part of the band. This is so critical to young bands who often play as a group of individuals, rather than as a collective artist. The Answer feels like a band. They’re not about an individual or a solo, but, I think, about the music. Which is incredible, by the way!James Heatley and Michael Waters

On drums, James Heatley rocks the place with a rock beat and a groove that a lot of big name bands should envy! It gets back to the fact that this group plays together as a fusion of artists, rather than as four individuals. The whole group is tight and hot and rocks the place. Heatley plays a driving beat, energetic and electric.

But it’s not just about the way these guys play live, even though their live show is phenomenal. These guys write some great songs. One of their newer songs, “Comfort Zone,” is all the things we look for in songwriting – a moving melody, lyrics that turn the soul inward, a great hook, and a groove that has everybody dancing. The melodic guitar hook in this song catches you right away, but then the lyrics start to sink in, and the refrain of “Discomfort I wait for you” and “I don’t need a lifetime when a moment will do” penetrate your senses and your actually start to not just hear and see the song, but to feel the music in your soul. That’s good rock and roll, babe. That’s what it’s all about.

Neeson with the crowd in well in hand

The song “Preacher” had me wondering how a nice boy from Northern Ireland (Neeson) could channel a southern Baptist preacher (while still overflowing with sex appeal). I also loved the beautifully melodic high sustained message “I have met my maker” at the end of “Never to Late.” I had chills in the midst of the hot, impassioned and inspired crowd.

James Heatley and Michael Waters

Speaking of the crowd, this audience was totally engaged, all they way to the back corners of the room. Everybody in the room was moving and rocking and totally mesmerized by this band. They had the crowd nailed – musically, spiritually, visually and emotionally. Guys were jumping up on stage, trying to get closer, to be even more a part of this incredible experience.

The Answer is off to LA tomorrow, but I hope to be able to chat with them later today and bring more details to our Savvant Music pages about this stunningly passionate, enthralling and talented group. We’ll definitely be adding them to our recommendations page, and following their progress. If you get a chance to see these guys, go! Don’t miss The Answer!!!!

2 Responses
to “ The Answer – Incredible rock and roll ”

I saw these guys on David Letterman. OMG! I swear I thought I was watching Robert Plant (Led Zeppelin) alive again. If this is Neeson’s inspiration on stage, he does a damn good job of it. His voice is mezmerizing and the lyrics aren’t just words but stories told. Let’s not forget the rest of the band, who are right with him on intensity. As an Irish lass I am proud to make them one of my new fav groups. Thank you for your talent and sharing it with us. Rowan

I SAW THEM INJ LITLE ROCK OPENING FOR AC,DC AND THEY BLEW ME AWAY.I HAVE A FELING THEY ARE ABOUT TO BECOME BIG STARS.YOU ALL WHO GET A CHANC TO SEE THEM YOU BETTER GO.IF THEY ARE AROUND MY PARTS AGAIN I WILL GO SEE THEM FOR SURE.